James Blackshaw - Litany Of Echoes (Tompkins Square)
27 year-old twelve-string virtuoso James Blackshaw had seemed totally on top of his game with last year's stunning 'The Cloud Of Unknowing' album and it was difficult to see how he could surpass it. But surpass it he has. 'Litany Of Echoes', already his seventh album, is bliss. Previously earmarked as a guitarist in the Takoma tradition of John Fahey and Robbie Basho, 'Litany Of Echoes' sees Blackshaw expand into new territory, incorporating the spirit of minimalist composition of Philip Glass or Terry Riley. The album is bookended by two exquisite repetitious piano pieces; in between Blackshaw guitar playing is as heavenly as ever. The epic 'Past Has Not Passed' is a masterpiece...bowed, droning strings providing the background for Blackshaw's fluttering plucked melodies; 'Infinite Circle' is reminiscent of Michael Nyman, adding flowing piano and swooping violin to the gorgeous guitar harmonics. An astonishing talent, Blackshaw just keeps getting better and better. 'Litany Of Echoes' is an album of rare beauty.
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